County treasurer to add fees for satellite offices

Soon Douglas County taxpayers who pay motor vehicle taxes at the treasurer’s satellite offices will have to pay a $2 fee.
County Treasurer Paula Gilchrist had recommended the fee increase last year to help offset the cost of operating two satellite offices in Lawrence and one in Baldwin City. Gilchrist has estimated the fee would generate $100,000 in revenue to run the offices at 2108 W. 27th St.; inside Dillons at 3000 W. Sixth St.; and at the Baldwin City Market.
The state allows a maximum $5 fee at satellite locations, and Douglas County has never charged one before.
County commissioners last year had approved the fee increase because they said taxpayers could avoid the fee by making their motor vehicle tax payments at the Douglas County Courthouse, 1100 Mass. Because new commissioners Nancy Thellman and Jim Flory are now in office, administrators wanted to get their OK on the fee increase, and all three commissioners supported it on Monday.
Gilchrist said the satellite fee would likely begin in March. Her office will put up signs soon at the satellite offices to notify taxpayers.
County commissioners on Monday also appointed Shirley Martin-Smith to serve on the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Board. The Lawrence City Commission had previous supported her appointment.